The future of youth soccer took center stage in Maryland as the inaugural 11u & 12u State Cup National Invitational Event welcomed some of the nation’s best young players to Bob Lucido Fields at Covenant Park in Ellicott City on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Created to provide a national stage for 11U and 12U State Cup champions and state representatives, this exciting new event gave these talented teams the opportunity to compete beyond their state championships while experiencing the excitement of a national event. Over two action-packed days, 38 teams from 12 US Youth Soccer State Associations showcased their talent, determination, and sportsmanship in an invitational event weekend.
Participating State Associations included:
- Connecticut
- Eastern New York
- Eastern Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York West
- Pennsylvania West
- Virginia
- West Virginia
As hosts, the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) was proud to welcome teams from across the country to Howard County for this historic Invitational Event. The event highlighted not only the exceptional level of play from these young athletes but also the continued growth and evolution of the US Youth Soccer competition pathway.
Reflecting on the success of the weekend, MSYSA Cups Director Brad Roos shared his excitement about what the first ever invitational event for 11u & 12u players means for the future of the game.
“Hosting the first-ever 11u & 12u State Cup National Invitational Event was an incredible experience for everyone involved,” said Roos. “To see 38 outstanding teams from across 12 State Associations come together and compete at such a high level was exactly what this event was designed to accomplish. The players, coaches, families, referees, and volunteers all contributed to making this a memorable weekend, and we’re incredibly proud that Maryland had the opportunity to host this historic event. We look forward to building on this success and welcoming everyone back for an even bigger and better invitational event next year.”
The 11u & 12u State Cup National Invitational Event proved to be much more than a tournament, it was a celebration of achievement, opportunity, and the bright future of youth soccer. For many players, this weekend marked their first experience competing on a national stage, creating memories that will inspire them throughout their soccer journeys.
Congratulations to every player, coach, referee, volunteer, family member, and supporter who helped make the first-ever 11u & 12u State Cup National Invitational Event a tremendous success. The future is bright for these young athletes, and this inaugural event has laid the foundation for what promises to become an exciting annual tradition in the US Youth Soccer competition pathway.
| Age Group | Champions | Finalist |
|---|---|---|
| 11u Girls | Council Rock FC Bucks (East Pa) | Bethesda E 1 (Maryland) |
| 12u Girls | Pen Fusion Pre-ECNL (East Pa) | Torpedoes Red Galaxy (New Jersey) |
| 11u Boys | Futboltech Liverpoll (New Jersey) | FC Delco Pre-MLS Next (East Pa) |
| 12u Boys – Chesapeake | Cedar Stars North Green (New Jersey) | Coppermine MLS Next (Maryland) |
| 12u Boys – Potomac | FC Delco MLS Next (East Pa) | Blau Weiss Gottschee (East New York) |
